The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has urged the Federal Government to overhaul the operations of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, following the death of 37 artisanal miners in its custody in Niger State. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with MURIC demanding justice and compensation for the families of the victims. The organisation described the incident as unfortunate and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to MURIC, the miners died under inhumane conditions, jammed together in a crowded cell with poor ventilation and excessive heat at the Minna, Niger State Command of the NSCDC. The organisation stated that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria strictly prohibits the torture of detainees under Section 34(1). MURIC's coordinator, Northern States and Abuja, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, signed the statement, expressing shock and concern over the incident.
Indabawa demanded justice for the deceased, stressing that adequate compensation must be given to the families of those who lost their lives. He also called on the Federal Government to immediately overhaul the operations of the agency to forestall future occurrences. The MURIC coordinator stated that the organisation received the news of the incident with shock on the morning of September 17, 2026.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees by security agencies in Nigeria. MURIC has called for a complete overhaul of the operational and custodial practices of the NSCDC nationwide to avert public apathy and distrust of the security agency. The organisation stated that the demands are aimed at serving as a lesson to others who abuse power.
President Bola Tinubu's administration has been urged to take immediate action to address the issue. The Federal Government has been tasked with ensuring that those responsible for the incident are held accountable. The NSCDC has not been contacted for comment on the incident or MURIC's demands.
The Niger miners tragedy has sparked a renewed call for improved human rights and better treatment of detainees by security agencies. MURIC's demands have been echoed by various stakeholders, who are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The families of the victims are yet to receive compensation or any form of support from the government or the NSCDC. MURIC's call for justice and compensation for the families of the victims is ongoing, with the organisation pushing for the government to take responsibility for the incident and ensure that those affected receive the necessary support.
Key points
- MURIC demands overhaul of NSCDC operations
- 37 artisanal miners died in NSCDC custody
- Organisation calls for justice and compensation for victims' families
